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A complete guide through Slovenian history.

SHORT ITINERARY

LJUBLJANA, source Ales Fevzer
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DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA

Arrival to hotel – ‘Slovenian food & wine city walk in Ljubljana’ – overnight Ljubljana
LJUBLJANA CASTLE, Dean Dubokovic
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DAY 2: LJUBLJANA EXPERIENCE

Ljubljana City museum – Ljubljana castle with ‘Time machine’ tour – National museum – overnight Ljubljana
PIVKA, Simon Avsec
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DAY 3: PIVKA - POSTOJNA CAVE – PREDJAMA CASTLE

Pivka military museum – Predjama castle – Postojna cave – overnight Postojna
HRASTOVLJE, source Jaka Ivancic
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DAY 4: LIPICA – HRASTOVLJE – PIRAN

Lipica stud farm – Hrastovlje – town of Piran – overnight Postojna
IDRIJA, source Samo Trebizan
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DAY 5: IDRIJA

Idrija town day excursion with mercury mine – overnight Kobarid/Bovec
WWI MUSEUM, source Boris Pretnar
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DAY 6: KOBARID

Kobarid historical trail – WW1 museum in Kobarid – WW1 open air museum on Kolovrat ridge – overnight Kobarid/Bovec
RADOVLJICA, source Jost Gantar
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DAY 7: VRSIC – BLED

Bled castle – medieval town of Radovljica – ginger bread museum with traditional dinner – overnight Bled
BLED, source Franci Ferjan
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DAY 8: BLED – MARIBOR

Pilgrimage church of Brezje – medieval Skofja Loka – Celje Regional Museum – overnight Maribor
PTUJ CASTLE, source Jost Gantar
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DAY 9: MARIBOR – PTUJ

Maribor old town – Ptuj castle – farewell lunch and wine tasting in Jeruzalem – overnight Maribor
MARIBOR, source Domen Groegl
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DAY 10: MARIBOR – tour ends

Transfer to the airport.

ABOUT THIS TOUR

Country: Slovenia

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Type of Travel: escorted, with local guides

Group Size: maximum 8 (van) or maximum 26 (public bus tour)

Recommended for: history enthusiasts

Transportation: modern A/C van or tour bus

Inclusive: entrance fees

Accommodation: 4* or 3* hotels

Meals: 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners, wine tastings

Physical Rating:     

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA

This afternoon meet with your Travel director/Local guide at information briefing before you start with a food journey in Ljubljana. Our excellent graded Slovenian food & wine city walk in Ljubljana* includes a selection of Slovenian typical dishes and wines. Along with tastings in different restaurants, we will visit Ljubljana’s best features like Plecnik’s Triple bridge, baroque St. Nicholas Cathedral, Renaissance City hall and Art Nouveau street. We will not let you leave hungry of food nor information.

Meals: dinner in form of food and wine tastings
Overnight: Ljubljana

*in case of late arrival food tour will be replaced by dinner in a restaurant. Food tour needs to start the latest at 6 pm.

DAY 2: LJUBLJANA EXPERIENCE

Start your day with an educational visit of City Museum of Ljubljana; it is situated in renaissance Auersperg Palace that is sitting on one of the main roads that once connected the ancient Roman city of Emona (now called Ljubljana) with other cities in Roman Empire. In museum you will learn about Ljubljana’s cultural heritage that ranges from the 4,500-year-old prehistoric pile-dwelling settlements to the present-day charming capital of Slovenia. Museum’s staff is doing a great job by constantly collaborating with partners, collectors, artists and curators. The crown over the city is Ljubljana’s castle – we will step back in time by joining the ‘Time Machine’ tour where history comes alive with a play that takes place in different places of the castle and represent different ‘time stations’ that marked the history of the castle most. The rest of the day is at leisure for your own discoveries.

Meals: breakfast
Overnight: Ljubljana

DAY 3: PIVKA - POSTOJNA CAVE – PREDJAMA CASTLE

Depart to South Western part of Slovenia and stop in the town of Pivka, to see Park of Military History Pivka. It holds one of the biggest and possibly most diverse military history collections in this part of Europe. It was established on the grounds of the abandoned Italian (and later Yugoslavian) army barracks. The park deals with the military history of Slovenia as well as with the wider military-related technical and political heritage of Europe. Short drive away there is one of a kind, the Renaissance-style Predjama castle which has a reputation of being the most hunted castle in Europe. It is nestled in the mouth of a cave and is set within a 123-meter-tall (404 feet) rock face. Let us walk you through the story of chateau’s famous resident knight Erazem Lueger. Number one visited attraction in Slovenia is the Queen of the caves – Postojna cave. It is a system of chambers, halls and passages that you enter by open train which adds to the experience of depths and adventure. Countless stalagmite and stalactite formations are lit well enough even to take pictures. You will hear about Slovenia’s most unusual creature that we are fond of and call a human fish. This day dinner is included.

Meals: breakfast, dinner
Overnight: Postojna

DAY 4: LIPICA – HRASTOVLJE – PIRAN

Today’s exploration takes us near the Italian border, where one of the most beautiful and historical monuments in Slovenia can be found – Stud farm Lipica. Home to almost 400 Lipizzaner horses, nourishing a tradition that goes back to the year of 1580, is a place worth to visit. We will explore a cradle of world famous white horses, the Lipizzaners, by joining the official tour of Lipica Stud Farm. Next stop is at unique Mediterranean village Hrastovlje which is known by the Romanic church of the Holy Trinity from the 12th century. The interior walls are completely covered with the frescoes from 1490 that show scenes from the Old and New Testament. The most famous frescoes are “deathlike ball”, a reminder of the mortality of life. Church with the surrounding fortified walls used to be a stronghold and protection for villagers against Ottoman soldiers and other potential danger. Another beautiful place to see this day is the Coastal town of Piran where the Venetian Republic has left its legacy that one can feel in narrow winding streets, houses huddled close together, beautiful squares and churches. Enjoy orientation tour and free time wandering around this well preserved medieval town and have coffee or gelato in one of the many cafes lined on the seaside promenade.

Meals: breakfast
Overnight: Postojna

DAY 5: IDRIJA

Depart to Idrija, a town with the longest mining tradition in Slovenia and UNESCO listed mercury mine. Upon arriving to Idrija, meet your local guide that will takes us on educational and interesting journey around Idrija. Get ready for a descend to Anthony mine shaft – step in the shoes of miners and say ‘Hi’ like miners: ‘Good Luck!’ You will learn about importance of mercury in the times when Habsburg family was gaining wealth and territories also with the income coming from this small town’s mine. Feel the past importance in the town’s dynamic today. Educational experience of the town continues by visiting 16th century Gewerkenegg castle that is housing the award-winning Idrija Municipal Museum. Stop to see Idrija lace making demonstration, fine product that is given as a precious gift to most important guests of our state. A lacemaking school was opened in Ljubljana in 1764 by Empress Maria Theresa, re-established in Idrija and has continued to operate to this day. For centuries, Idrija lace has been a synonym for quality, prestige and an established reputation. Even food has historical value in Idrija – for lunch we will taste unique dumplings – ‘Zlikrofi’, possibly the oldest Slovenian dish, also called ‘Napoleon’s little hats’. Never-ending source of stories is waiting for us in Idrija.

Meals: breakfast, lunch
Overnight: Kobarid or Bovec

DAY 6: KOBARID

Spend your day exploring traces of WWI in the beautiful nature of Emerald Soca river. A short (2,4 km/1,5-mile-long) hike starts by crossing Napoleons bridge which will take us to the picturesque Kozjak waterfall that is caught in a stony amphitheater not far away from Kobarid town. Area is known about famous WW1 event called ‘Miracle at Kobarid’, where joined Austrian-Hungarian and German forces broke through Italian lines. We will follow the steps of Ernest Hemingway and Erwin van Rommel. Visit of the WWI museum in Kobarid will give us an unbiased insight of the events that happened in one of the major battles in the history of mankind having taken place in hilly terrain. Museum was awarded the Council of Europe Museum Prize and since its opening in 1990 it was visited by many notable people like monarchs, presidents of states, church superiors etc. By stepping on Kobarid historical trail we will visit WW1 outdoor museum on the Kolovrat ridge where, in the time of First World War, Italians built extensive system of its third line of defense, called ‘linea d’armata’.

Meals: breakfast, lunch
Overnight: Kobarid or Bovec

DAY 7: VRSIC – BLED

Depart to Bled by taking breathtaking mountain road way that goes over Julian Alps. Scenic Vrsic mountain road* will take us over the highest paved mountain pass in Slovenia at 1.611 meters (5.285 feet) altitude. It has a historical value that goes back to the WWI. Make sure to have your camera ready as you’ll undoubtedly have many great photo opportunities. By crossing the mountains, we arrive to Slovenian alpine gem – town and lake of Bled. A travel portal Thrillist describes Bled as follows: “You’ll be hard-presses to find a more picturesque setting than Bled… Its picture perfect in every sense. The Julian Alps dominate the background, while in the foreground, a 17th-century Baroque church sits on a remote island, adrift in the middle of glacial lake. It’s the stuff of fairytales. With waterfalls, castles, and remote caves all within the area, it makes for a vivid and character-filled landscape.” To step back in time, we will visit a typical medieval gothic Bled castle built on 130 m (426 feet) high cliff. Optional visit to the tiny island of lake Bled in the middle of the lake is possible with a traditional wooden rowing boat called pletna. In the island’s church you can ring a bell of wishes, a tradition, that is most possibly 500 years old. Some free time to relax is followed by a farewell dinner.

Meals: breakfast, farewell dinner
Overnight: Bled

*only possible with a van. When touring with bus, we take different scenic road.

DAY 8: BLED – MARIBOR

Depart to Maribor with several sightseeing stops on the way. Start your day by visiting pilgrimage site Brezje, dedicated to Virgin Mary. The Basilica of St. Mary Help of Christians of Brezje is a Slovenian National Marian Shrine. The biggest religion group that is represented in Slovenia is roman catholic and Virgin Mary has a special place in Slovenian tradition. Skofja Loka, second oldest town and one of the prettiest in Slovenia, has a history that goes back to the 10th century. Take a walk in the old town where every corner hides unexpected little gems. On the way to Eastern part of the country we stop in Celje, third biggest city in Slovenia, where we will visit Celje Regional Museum that was nominated for the European Museum of the Year award. Late afternoon arrival to Maribor, some time to freshen up and dinner.

Meals: breakfast, dinner
Overnight: Maribor

DAY 9: MARIBOR – PTUJ

Start your day with orientation tour in Maribor. It is a capital of Styria, North Eastern part of Slovenia, where you can find great wine, friendly people, great sights and monuments. Maribor is second largest town in the country and home of the oldest vine in the world. This 400 years old vine is listed in the Guinness book of world records. Next stop is at Ptuj, the oldest town in Slovenia and one of the oldest of whole Europe. Its best-known landmark that we are going to visit, is the mid-12th century Ptuj castle, strategically located high on a hill overlooking the Drava River. Explore deeper in what Styria has to offer. Such diversity can be seen even in the names of the towns. We will visit Jeruzalem: but don’t worry, there is no Wailing Wall, even if the name comes from original Jerusalem. It is thought to have been named by crusaders whose idea of the Promised Land consisted of verdant hills, fine wines, good food and a friendly welcome. You will discover why Romans, 13th-century crusaders and Napoleon’s soldiers all stopped here for a drink. You will learn all about it during perfect lunch setting and wine tasting. Afternoon is at leisure.

Meals: breakfast, lunch with wine tasting
Overnight: Maribor

DAY 10: MARIBOR – tour ends

Meals: breakfast or breakfast box (depends of your check out)
Note: If you need a transfer to the airport or want to continue with extension travel to neighboring countries, let us know – we will handle everything for you.

PRICE

NUMBER OF PEOPLE TRAVELLING PRICE PER PERSON IN EUR
1 5399 €
2 3249 €
3 2499 €
4 2249€
5 1999 €
6 1869 €
7 1749 €
8 1629 €

Included in the price:

  • Small groups of maximum 8 people
  • All transfers and sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
  • 9 nights First Class accommodation (2 nights in Ljubljana, 2 nights in Postojna, 2 nights in Kobarid or Bovec, 1 night in Bled, 2 nights in Maribor)
  • City hotel taxes, tourist taxes
  • Hotel porterage
  • Meals: 9 breakfasts, Slovenian food & wine city walk in Ljubljana with 5 food tastings and 4 different wines, dinner in Postojna, lunch in Idrija, lunch in Soca area, dinner in Radovljica, dinner in Maribor, lunch and wine tasting in Jeruzalem
  • Entrance fees: Ljubljana city museum, All-inclusive Ljubljana castle ticket with ‘Time machine’ tour, Park of Military History Pivka, Predjama castle, Postojna cave, Lipica stud farm tour with entrance ticket, church of the Holy Trinity in Hrastovlje, full day Idrija tour with multiple visits, WWI museum in Kobarid, Kolovrat open air museum of WW1, Bled castle, Celje Regional Museum, Ptuj castle
  • Services of local English-speaking tour guide throughout
  • Comprehensive, guided sightseeing
  • Active itinerary with unique features

Not included in the price:

  • Transfer from/to Ljubljana or other nearby airports (from 29 EUR per person one way)
  • Optional rowing boat ride to Bled island and entrance fee to the church on Bled Island
  • Personal expenses (meals, drinks, shopping etc.)
  • Gratuities
  • Supplement for single room: from 415 EUR (per person per tour)

Pick up:

By itinerary in the program.

Accommodation:

  • Ljubljana: Central Hotel 4* or Hotel Galleria 4* or Allegro Hotel 4* or similar
  • Postojna: Hotel Jama 4* or similar
  • Bovec or Kobarid: Alp Hotel Bovec 3* or Kobarid Hotel Hvala 4* or similar
  • Bled: Hotel Kompas 4* or Best Western Premier Hotel Lovec 4* or Hotel Park 4* or similar

.

From 1799 eur

 

Included in the price:

  • Small groups of maximum 26 people
  • All transfers and sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned tour bus
  • 9 nights First Class accommodation (2 nights in Ljubljana, 2 nights in Postojna, 2 nights in Kobarid, 1 night in Bled, 2 nights in Maibor)
  • City hotel taxes, tourist taxes
  • Hotel porterage
  • Meals: 9 breakfasts, Slovenian food & wine city walk in Ljubljana with 5 food tastings and 4 different wines, dinner in Postojna, lunch in Idrija, lunch in Soca area, dinner in Radovljica, dinner in Maribor, lunch and wine tasting in Jeruzalem
  • Entrance fees: Ljubljana city museum, all-inclusive Ljubljana castle ticket with ‘Time machine’ tour, Park of Military History Pivka, Predjama castle, Postojna cave, Lipica stud farm tour with entrance ticket, church of the Holy Trinity in Hrastovlje, full day Idrija tour with multiple visits, WWI museum in Kobarid, Kolovrat open air museum of WW1, Bled castle, Celje Regional Museum, Ptuj castle
  • Services of local English-speaking tour guide throughout
  • Comprehensive, guided sightseeing
  • Active itinerary with unique features

Not included in the price:

  • Transfer from/to Ljubljana or other nearby airports (from 29 EUR per person one way)
  • Optional rowing boat ride to Bled island and entrance fee to the church on Bled Island
  • Personal expenses (meals, drinks, shopping etc.)
  • Gratuities
  • Supplement for single room: from 415 EUR (per person per tour)

Pick up:

By itinerary in the program.

Accommodation:

  • Ljubljana: Central Hotel 4* or Hotel Galleria 4* or Allegro Hotel 4* or similar
  • Postojna: Hotel Jama 4* or similar
  • Bovec or Kobarid: Alp Hotel Bovec 3* or Kobarid Hotel Hvala 4* or similar
  • Bled: Hotel Kompas 4* or Best Western Premier Hotel Lovec 4* or Hotel Park 4* or similar

 

You are welcome to contact us.

We are flexible in adjusting program to your needs.
Suggestions: traditional meals, wine tastings, visit of museums, sports activities, hikes etc.

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